Constantia Valley - luxury country escape

Upper end buyers head to the Constantia Valley for a luxurious country-estate lifestyle in the suburbs.The fertile Constantia Valley is not only home to award-winning wine estates such as Groot Constantia, but the leafy green area is also home to a stunning selection of smaller and large, country-like estates. Despite being in the heart of the city and close to all major arterials, here you will still find country lanes, greenbelt walks and even equestrian estates which add to the attraction for buyers, say Seeff agents Shelley Kruger, Jenny Williams, Lana Redman and Marie Durr.The airport is close by as are major business centres, top schools, universities and leisure facilities such as restaurants, shopping centres, boutiques, health centres and more. While smaller family homes are priced between R4,5 million and R6 million, Seeff Southern Suburbs managing director says, that it is the large country-style estates that typifies the area and are priced in the upper millions. The property market here, he adds, has remained steady and 129 homes sold here during the last year, marginally down on 2010, but up on 2009 when only 109 properties sold.Todd notes that while there is a good selection of stock on the market, an estate that is currently in the market in Sillery Avenue, a quiet cul-de-sac is one of the standout homes on offer here. Priced at R16,5 million, this residence is a good illustration of what upper-end buyers look for here say the agents. Its 4,600sqm features a country-style garden with indigenous trees, a natural lake with a fountain and meandering walks between the colourful shrubbery as well as outdoor entertainment area that includes a copper domed gazebo, a Jacuzzi and swimming pool.The double-storey thatched home offers over 1,000sqm of floor space, double-volume living rooms with chandeliers and high ceilings with exposed thatch and beams. Large French doors lead to a wrap-around terrace on the lower level and into the stunning, verdant garden. Balconies on the upper level provide stunning views of the leafy surrounds.The open-plan living areas are located on the lower level and include a lounge with a fireplace and Cherrywood units, a large living/dining room and a kitchen with a marble floor, Cherrywood units and an additional pizza oven. There is a separate laundry.Also located on the lower level, is a one-bedroomed guest suite with terrace access that could serve as a study with a separate entrance.A grand wrought iron and rosewood staircase leads to the upper level that houses three double-volume bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and balcony access. The main bedroom has a stunning chandelier, walk-in dressing room and added bathroom extras such as a bidet and double basins.The property also includes a separate two bedroomed cottage with a garage as well as a further double garage with additional parking, a borehole, computerised irrigation system and state-of-the-art security that includes perimeter electric fencing and an electronic gate.